In the comments section of the power rankings, Mike posted his thoughts on the biggest surprise of the season.
"I voted other," he wrote. "I am most surprised that at this point in (the) season, 5 of the 6 playoff teams are from one division."
If the playoffs started today, the Twitter Division would only get one playoff team in - the division winner. And it would be the first time in league history we've even been remotely close to seeing that.
Well, Mike isn't the only one talking about that.
The criticism for the league setup has been getting louder lately. Much like the NFL was bashed when the Seattle Seahawks got a home game this past season with a 7-9 record, we are hearing people talk about whether it's fair that Ken, Chris, or Shea (the possible division winner) will get a first-round bye. None of the three seems to be able to win lately, and the division winner could have a worse record, potentially as bad as .500, than other playoff teams.
Jack is 8-5-2 and in fourth place in the Facebook Division. If he were in the Twitter Division, he'd be in first place.
On Pardon The Interruption today, co-host Michael Wilbon said: "It's a major issue that needs to be looked at in the offseason." Tony Kornheiser wasn't in that camp, bashing Wilbon and other critics for getting worked up over something so rare.
"Look, everyone just needs to calm down, OK? This NEVER has happened before and probably won't ever again. And we still have a lot of season left. So everyone just calm down a notch!"
Meanwhile, over on SI.com, there was a feature story by Jon Heyman about the negative heat the league is getting over this. And on Twitter today, "MTL divisions" was a trending topic for much of the day.
Which side are you on? Is it wrong that a division winner could have a worse record than another playoff team and still get a first-round bye?
Monday, July 18, 2011
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Mike Yiannakou
ReplyDeleteHonestly I do not have a problem with the way we do divisions. I was just suprised on what I saw, as it was very unique.
The way we do divisions is fair. Its just weird this year about how playoffs would look if the season ended today. Barring some crazy season, the top 6 teams will always make the playoffs.
The only argument I could see is if the potential division winner has a bye, while having an inferior record to others. But like most other major sports, division winners are given some bonus for coming on top. So I see no problem.
And I would stand by that even if I wasnt't in first, while holding a bye in the playoffs. Considering I would be bored as shit for that week I had a bye.
Keep divisions the way they are, with the random change every 3 years. And division winners getting the bye.
Love Mike.
I know I asked this before, how does one apply to transfer into the Twitter division. I agree that these are unchartered waters - and that we all should pause for a moment and realize that one time is not a trend. Also, it may likely level back a bit as scheduling towards the end of the season has more division games (I think) which could bring the records a little more balanced by season's end.
ReplyDeleteI guess I am saying that I will be surprised if the 5/1 playoff ratio holds by the time the fat lady sings on the regular season.
- JACK
Mike Yiannakou
ReplyDeleteJack, I believe every 3 years Andy randomly draws 3 teams from each division to switch.
Can I name the divisions for next year?
MLB
Mike, Joe, Cole, Jack, Adam, Dave
Grapefruit League
Kent, Chris, Shea, Hal, Andy, Rick
Haha that made me chuckle, nice one.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, every three years I randomly re-draw both divisions. All 6 teams. Not just 3.
Just to follow up on what has been said, since we have done a keeper league this has been the amount of teams per division that made the playoffs:
ReplyDelete- 2010: 3 and 3
- 2009: 4 and 2
- 2008: 3 and 3
- 2007: 3 and 3
So a.) I agree this is a one time thing, it is just how things are shaking out and by no means should lead to the playoffs or even our league setup being restructred, and b.) the season is not over yet and it is possible that things may equalize a little down the stretch so as to least get 2 teams from the Twitter Division.
Chris
all i know is i gotta be in your division, i think i'm like 9-1 against u guys and putrid against my division, could cost me my 3rd straight title
ReplyDeleteBob - I asked first!
ReplyDelete